“I was about to say,” pursued Mrs. Wilfer, who clearly had not had the faintest idea of saying anything more: “that when I use the term attractions, I do so with the qualification that I do not mean it in any way whatever.”

The excellent lady delivered this luminous elucidation of her views with an air of greatly obliging her hearers, and greatly distinguishing herself. Whereat Miss Bella laughed a scornful little laugh and said:

“Quite enough about this, I am sure, on all sides. Have the goodness, Mr. Rokesmith, to give my love to Mrs. Boffin⁠—”

“Pardon me!” cried Mrs. Wilfer. “Compliments.”